“Take me out to the ball game….buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack” Remember the old baseball song?
I can’t believe I am making Cracker Jack. I am not only making it, I am packaging it up in single servings to hand out at baseball tonight. You see, I am on snack duty. One parent brings snacks for the entire team. The kids enjoy the treats after playing what are some tough games and tough lessons. It’s where our kids learn valuable skills, celebrate wins, cheer for their teammates and cry over losses. It a great game.
I want to provide the kids with something they will enjoy, but want it to have some nutritional value as well. I know they want something sweet but I want to offer something with a little sweetness but also with some protein, healthy fats, fibre and not too much salt. This is not going to be your typical Cracker Jack. (You probably already knew that.)
We love to make popcorn at home. I find the old fashioned way of popping it in a pot on a hot element is the absolute best. Make the popcorn first and while the pot is still hot, mix in the rest of the ingredients as the heat helps to bring them together. Stir everything in the biggest bowl you have to mix it really well.
Recipe – Makes 12 servings
1/2 cup popcorn kernels
2 tablespoons olive oil or other oil
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup molasses
1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup peanuts
additional salt
Heat oven to 250 degrees.
In a large pot, heat oil and coconut oil over medium high heat. Add salt and popcorn. When the popcorn starts popping, using oven mitts, shake pot until popping sounds stop. Remove lid carefully as there will be lots of steam inside and pour into a very large bowl.
While the pot is still hot, add coconut oil, peanut butter and molasses, stirring well until mixture comes together. Add vanilla and peanuts and stir well. Pour on top of the popcorn and mix well, working quickly as it is easier to mix when the sauce is warm. Spread out onto a large baking pan and sprinkle with additional salt if desired. Bake at 250 degrees for 30 minutes. Cool completely.
Per 11/3 cup serving there is approximately 160 kcal, 5 grams sugar, and 5 grams protein.
The recipe is vegan and gluten free.
I’m sure this is way tastier than the boxed version! Yum! Thanks for linking up at Welcome Home Wednesdays! See you tomorrow!
How yummy! Cracker Jack is one of my favorite healthy snacks. Thank you for sharing your healthy and delectable Cracker Jack with us on the Plant-Based Potluck Party Link Up. I’m pinning and sharing.
I love making popcorn at home. Perfect to feed a crowd. Easy and delicious!!
Never had Cracker Jack before, but I would definitely eat your popcorn! Those mouthwatering bites look so good and I’m sure they taste even better. Love the ingredients!
I was just regaling the awesomeness of Cracker Jack’s to my kids — think I’ll be trying your recipe soon to share!
I hope they enjoy it! I thought of putting little prizes inside. Remember how there were little things inside?
I always loved the rings as a little girl 😀
Love! Forget the ballgame I’m making this once football season starts in June. I will be the most popular lady in our section for sure 😉
Awesome! Let me know how it turns out!
Fantastic! Love cracker jack popcorn, but homemade is always better. Can’t wait to try this and see what the peanut butter flavour adds (love anything peanut butter!) Thanks for sharing.
Love to hear back how it turns out for you!